Rumor: Microsoft smartwatch will support iOS and Android

Microsoft is working on a smartwatch with a built-in heart rate sensor that should not only work with a Windows Phone, but also exchange data with iPhones and Android smartphones. That writes business magazine Forbes Friday.

Microsoft expects to gain ground from competitors such as Samsung, LG and presumably Apple by making the smartwatch compatible with other operating systems. At least that’s what Forbes claims, which relies on multiple sources that would know about Microsoft’s plans. It is known that Samsung and LG are also entering the wearables market, but those companies only make their products compatible with one or two operating systems.

The American manufacturer also wants to equip the watch with a built-in heart rate sensor, the sources say to Forbes. With this, the smartwatch should particularly compete with the Gear Fit sports bracelet from Samsung. In addition, according to Forbes, Microsoft wants to make the watch with the heart rate monitor interesting for the medical sector, where Microsoft occupies an important position with its desktop operating systems. Samsung recently unveiled an open platform for processing data from wearables for health purposes.

There have been rumors about a smartwatch from Microsoft for some time, but so far no concrete indications have been forthcoming. The Verge reported last year that Microsoft was testing various prototypes. Forbes says it’s still unclear when Microsoft’s watch should hit the market, but the release could be as early as this summer. A company spokesperson declined to comment.